Der-Liang Yung

Coming to Estonia...
To be honest, I didn't choose Estonia, it chose me. Sufficed to say, I love it here, and don't regret coming to Tallinn. Its good to be wanted ;)!

Before coming here...
I never even heard of the country before finding out where TUT is. Then one of my Filipino friends told me how beautiful the women are in Estonia, and that fact sold me.

Student life in Estonia...
In Canada, at least at my university, student life revolves around studying, eating, drinking and when times get tough, protest, rioting and hooliganism. Here, life is tame, and less wild, which isn\'t a bad thing. I love the smaller city of Tallinn, makes it easy to get around, and the old town is fantastic. The influx of Erasmus students certainly bring life to the campus and even the locals get into it, although not as much as I would like. The advice from my student councellor: get Estonian friends plastered on alcohol to get them to socialize, guess that works for everyone.

Studying in Estonia...
After completing my undergrad degree at my home university, I regretted not doing a semester abroad or some exchange program; hence, my main goal was to do my MSc in another country, but one that came from a country, Estonia, whose education standards are maintained by a greater union, EU\'s Bologna accord. At least I could get it recognized in North America. But I got no qualms about making a career working abroad. Maybe I can work at a Canadian embassy or something. Academically, being able to finally do a MSc in Engineering is redemption for me. It was my goal after secondary school, but never materialized at my home university, so here in Estonia, I get to do what I always wanted.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
New Years! new and old. People in Tallinn know how to put on a party at New Years. Academically, being given the opportunity to do things: work in the lab, pursue individual studies, access to EU programs for students, experience with Erasmus students, and befriend the locals. Being from Vancouver, BC, Canada, I dont get to experience the real winters here in the Baltics, and I was lucky to see a White Christmas for the first time while in Tallinn. Studying in Estonia is surprisingly relaxing, although that could be just the 1st semester.

I would tell others...
Like any foreign culture, and especially true for Estonian university life, try to plan your stay for the long term, a whole year at least. It does take months to really befriend and get into the intimate social circle of local Estonians. A quick fix is getting involve with Erasmus and other international students, but for that, you can go to other places in EU.

I miss the most...
Peanut butter, I saw it being sold at Stockmann supermarket at 3X the price as Canada. Oh yeah, I miss watching NHL games on TV, fortunately, there are some awesome sites.

I liked to study here...
International experience makes you a more wholistic and cultured person. Socializing becomes easier as you can always talk about your adventures, and chicks dig that. And as a student, the mobility experience gives you a whole new prospect on life and direction; gives you options and increases your network. When it comes to a career, it\'s the networks and relationships you make during your study periods, which get you what you want....even if you dont know it yourself.

My future...
I am thinking somewhere in South America or Middle East, just to complete the collection. Antarctica is always an option. Africa is always in my heart, so maybe I\'ll head back there. South East Asia...hrmm, just for the food. ;)